Feel free to add any information you can to this!!Thomson and First Choice have also put in place a significant repatriation programme for these customers. This programme includes the use of various different modes of transport, including cruise ships, coaches and ferries. In particular, two Thomson cruise ships have been providing assistance and are helping bring customers home. Thomson Dream has been transferring customers from Majorca to mainland Spain and the Island Escape is currently sailing back to the UK from Madeira and is due to arrive in Cornwall on Friday (23 April).
Thomson and First Choice appreciate the patience that our customers have shown during this disruption. We do hope you understand that as a business that cares about our customers, we have taken the decision that the repatriation of those who are currently overseas is our priority. As soon as the airline is able to safely operate flights into the UK it will bring the remaining customers, currently overseas due to cancelled flights, home.
Separately, all UK outbound flights due to operate up to and including Wednesday, 21 April are still cancelled. Thomson Airways is anticipating that it could take a further 48 hours after the opening of airspace, due to the relocation of aircraft and crews, before our flying programme returns to normal.
Given the cancellation of all outbound UK flights until Thursday 22 April, we advise customers NOT to travel to their departure airport.
Customers whose flights are cancelled between 15-21 April can:
o Amend their booking to an alternative holiday or flight without incurring normal administration fees. If the alternative holiday is cheaper than the original, then the difference in price will be refunded. If the alternative holiday is more expensive than the original, then the customer will be required to pay the difference.
o If we are unable to secure an alternative holiday, we will allow customers to cancel with a full refund without incurring normal administration fees.
Thomson Airways are using all the means at their disposal to assist those customers that were due to travel between 15 - 21 April with their revised travel arrangements. In particular, Thomson and First Choice customers who booked via our websites, retail shops or call centres can:
* Visit their local Thomson or First Choice shop, where our retail staff will assist with any questions customers may have, and amend bookings in accordance to the terms and conditions outlined above.
* Call our dedicated customer helpline team on 0800 009 3833, which will be open from 08.00 - 20.00 daily.
Those customers that booked via a third party travel agency are advised to contact their booking agent directly. Customers who have booked a Portland holiday should call 0844 871 0873. Customers requiring general advice can contact our 24/7 flight delay line on 02476 282 501 or email flight.information@thomson.co.uk.
Customers due to travel on April 22 and beyond are advised to visit http://www.thomson.co.uk or http://www.firstchoice.co.uk where the latest travel information will be posted before travelling to their departure airport.
